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Writing Wednesdays: A Do-Over Day

No, this is not about Groundhog Day. Well not exactly, though that is such a classic flick. But in that movie Bill Murray literally gets trapped in the same day over and over. Yes, he eventually learns how to make the day work for him and then he earns the gift of being able to move on.

Instead the fascination I have here is this – imagine being given the gift of living yesterday just one more time. A true do-over.

Just the other day I was fortunate to stumble upon a little independent movie called, About Time. In the film the main character Tim, upon the milestone of his 21st birthday, learns a secret from his father. His dad reveals to him that both he and Tim, and all the men in the family who came before, possess the ability to go back in time, at any given time, if they choose to. All Tim has to do is go into a closet, squeeze his fists and travel back to whatever time he desires.

Once he learns of this power, Tim takes full advantage, fixing mistakes he makes, doing what he can to get the girl he wants and of course, regardless of his power making some huge errors along the way. But he finally figures out his greatest accomplishments and true desires can’t be gained by a do-over. Except when he harnesses the power of one special gift, when he chooses to use it from time to time, a gift that truly changes his life.

That gift? Gratitude.

Eventually Tim’s father explains to Tim that perhaps the greatest use of his ability to travel back in time is to occasionally take the time to live yesterday again – with a new, fresh outlook, or maybe I should say “in-look” – on the experiences of that day, and on his life.

This my friends has true power.

Think about the incredible gift of looking back at the same day you just lived and living it over again, but steeped in the abundance of that day, seeing all the good things that happen, realizing you are in the midst of a masterpiece and giving to others as if this was your last day. Once you do that life changes.

While on the day before Tim scowled at the lady handing him his coffee because he was late for work, on his do-over day he went in smiling, not stressed and had a pleasant conversation with her, making her day better. Instead of rushing around, he took the time to immerse himself in the pleasantries of other people and to notice the world around him. He paid special attention to those he loved.

In essence, that is gratitude. Just imagine what you could do with yesterday if you had a do-over. But take this to heart, because in reality every day you do.

That’s the magic factor, and it’s called gratitude.

Your gift is the ability to go back to yesterday in your mind and in your heart and think about the good parts of that day, amidst the challenges and sometimes heartache, the parts of the day that did not serve you well… because you did not serve your day well. We all do it the wrong way from time to time because we are human and we are flawed.

But the more you focus on the good stuff of any day, the more you review it in gratitude and with a grateful heart, the more you approach and conquer the next day with that same mindset. One of giving, one of abundance, one of love, one of gratitude.

If you think I’m kidding, if you think I’m crazy, good… the ones crazy enough to change the world are the ones who usually do. I dare you to try it for a week and see what happens. I dare you to get up in the morning and think about the three things, just three things that happened the day before for which you are grateful. See where that takes you. I dare you.

If you’ve got a better plan, then keep living each day with blinders on and rush to the end of life without ever stopping to appreciate the gift and the moments of a single day.

Instead try it my way, give your day a do-over. Re-live it in your mind and your heart and feel the power of the silver lining, the magic of a few cherished moments that happened the day before and for which you are grateful. It might just change your life.

I know it will, because I’m living it.

And you know why it’s worth it? For if you live each day as if it was your last, eventually you will be right – and there won’t be any more do-overs.

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark Brodinsky

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Comments

Love this idea – & try to live it daily, though it can definitely be a challenge at times. THANK YOU for continuing to share your wisdom & positive outlook with all of us. Your words & your light make the world brighter.

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Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

Connect with Mark!

WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17September 24, 2013

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné PallaceSeptember 24, 2013

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. RiecksNovember 4, 2013

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109October 23, 2013

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. BogashSeven Valleys, PA

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

PattiMSeptember 25, 2013

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

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